Motor Decisions Matter: Good Repair Practices Preserve Efficiency & Budgets

By Jenna Overton, Industrial Program AssociateConsortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)

Just like a linchpin holds a wheel on an axle, repair-or-replace decisions are crucial to your motor-management plan. In some cases, it’s more cost-effective to repair a motor, even when a newer unit might be more efficient. Just because a motor has been repaired does not mean it will be less efficient or less reliable. In fact, electric-motor efficiency and reliability can be maintained and sometimes improved during repair and rewind by following prescribed good practices.

To help industrial customers identify service centers that conform to good motor-repair practices, the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA)—a founding sponsor of Motor Decision Matter (MDM)—recently launched the EASA Accreditation Program. Using independent third-party on-site auditing and supplemental internal auditing, this program accredits service centers that formally adopt the good practices outlined in “ANSI/EASA Standard AR100: Recommended Practice for the Repair of Rotating Electrical Apparatus” and the Good Practice Guide from EASA’s 2003 study, “The Effect of Repair/Rewinding on Motor Efficiency.”

The scope of the EASA Accreditation Program covers mechanical repairs and electrical rewinding of three-phase, squirrel-cage motors. The program evaluates more than 70 mandatory criteria in 23 categories, as well as a list of electrical, mechanical and physical equipment required to repair and rewind motors to the standards of the program. In addition to the checklist, service centers must demonstrate and document compliance with ANSI/EASA Standard AR100 and the Good Practice Guide. The program is open to EASA members and nonmembers. 

The EASA Accreditation Program requires a third-party audit initially and then every three years, as well as an internal self-audit each year. Service-center management is encouraged to take a leading role in preparing for the audits. Three organizations serve as third-party auditors: Advanced Energy based in Raleigh, NC; Enertech Solutions, Inc., based in Ontario, Canada; and Green Motors Practices Group, based in Boise, ID. 

Although no service centers have been accredited yet, EASA President and CEO Linda Raynes is enthusiastic about the feedback so far. “We were happy with the overwhelmingly positive response we received to the launch of the EASA Accreditation Program at our recent convention in Boston,” Raynes said. “There was high interest in the program, and a number of EASA members indicated they plan to pursue accreditation. We look forward to the program’s success.”

The EASA Website (easa.com) provides more information. In the future, it will also include a directory of accredited service centers and secure storage for their audit records. Program updates will be highlighted on the MDM Website (motormatters.org) as well.

When it comes to motor rewinds or repairs, the MDM campaign recommends working with your local utility and motor-service provider to develop and implement a repair policy that prioritizes efficiency and reliability. More resources, including a 2011 Webcast, “Motor Management Truth or Consequences: Understanding Electric Motor Rewinds and Efficiency,” are available in the “Helpful Resources” section of the MDM Website. Visit us online to start making cost-effective motor management decisions today. MT

joverton@cee1.org

The Motor Decisions Matter campaign (MDM) is managed by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency  (CEE1.org), a North American nonprofit organization that promotes energy-saving products, equipment and technologies. Contact: mdminfo@cee1.org or 617-589-3949.